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Insurance and FeLV

post #1 of 7
6/17/11 at 11:30am
Thread Starter 
Hi all! You were so helpful with my last new-to-FeLV question, and now I have another.

I signed Boo up for pet insurance, understanding that pre-existing conditions (like FeLV) weren't covered. I figured that's okay, since I'll pay for her regular blood work and other FeLV-related things out of pocket, since the virus itself isn't treatable. I did it through PetsBest and when they asked if she had any pre-existing conditions, I disclosed. I have a couple of concerns though:
  1. They didn't give me the option to detail Boo's pre-existing condition further than "Viral or Bacterial Infection." I went through the other options and that was the most accurate descriptor. It's not cancer, and it's not a blood condition, it's a virus, but a bad one. So that was confusing. I wanted them to have all the details and I couldn't give them.
  2. I have 14 days to cancel. Now I'm concerned that any other disease/cancer Boo gets won't be covered because of the FeLV. Does that happen?
I guess my main question is - do any of you other FeLV+ owners have insurance for your kitties, which you obtained AFTER their diagnosis? How does that work? Or should I just forget about the insurance?

Ugh, I'm so confused. I've only ever had healthy cats so I really stink at all of this.

Thanks again.
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post #2 of 7
6/17/11 at 3:27pm
Don't have insurance-
Maybe if you called them, then had them send you a specifically worded document that says that you're still covered?

There's so much that could be attributed to FeLV, they'd probably have a lot of reasons to back out if/when it comes time to pay. (?)
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post #3 of 7
6/17/11 at 4:23pm
Try to find a phone number or e-mail for their customer service. If they won't/can't answer all your questions and give you something in writing detailing what will and will not be covered, I'd cancel. They could very well refuse to cover anything that comes up because it *might* be related to the FeLV.
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post #4 of 7
6/17/11 at 7:33pm
I have PetsBest; In my opinion they are amazing, awesome company - never had a problem with it... however: I am guessing you did this online?
I would call in and ask - They refused to insure my Hyperthyroid cat, and I am not sure a cat with FeLV would be covered... I am assuming if a cat with hyperthyroid is not, then yours is probably not either.

Do not try to bypass this phone call as in the end you might pay for insurance and be denied anyways...
PetsBest is fantastic, they really are... Customer service is top notch too - they will tell you exactly what is covered and what not. I have dealt with them a LOT because of Bugsy. Make that phone call...
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post #5 of 7
6/18/11 at 6:03am
Thread Starter 
Okay! I actually emailed them last night as it was past business hours and I was anxious to ask my question, haha. I explained that she has FeLV, which I couldn't explain on the online application further than "Viral or Bacterial Infection" and I understand it is not covered. I asked if anything even *was* covered for an FeLV+ kitty. Since I'm within my 14-day period, that answer will determine whether I should cancel. Apparently they respond to emails w/in one business day, so I'll let you guys know how it goes! You're right, she could very well just be denied, which is kind of a bummer since I never want to make the decision between getting her treatment and putting her down.
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post #6 of 7
6/18/11 at 3:37pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by KC88 View Post
Okay! I actually emailed them last night as it was past business hours and I was anxious to ask my question, haha. I explained that she has FeLV, which I couldn't explain on the online application further than "Viral or Bacterial Infection" and I understand it is not covered. I asked if anything even *was* covered for an FeLV+ kitty. Since I'm within my 14-day period, that answer will determine whether I should cancel. Apparently they respond to emails w/in one business day, so I'll let you guys know how it goes! You're right, she could very well just be denied, which is kind of a bummer since I never want to make the decision between getting her treatment and putting her down.
Pick up the phone and call.... I am telling you they are AWESOME over the phone... don't be afraid.... Plus, every single call is recorded... been there done that - trust me. Are you afraid of calling? By calling you can ask everything in your mind.... Every question all the ifs and buts and what nots....
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post #7 of 7
6/21/11 at 8:10am
I would cancel, they won't cover anything. Most insurance will not cover ANY illness, the ones that have accident and illness state clearly that they either won't cover them at all or they will not cover illness(I have had 2 indoor cats with FeLV, one is still living, plus I have multiple ferals with FeLV.) Attitude had issues with a never ending eye infection, a unilateral bloody nose, and 2 severe URIs. The last URI, that they couldn't find an antibiotic to cure her(or even make her feel better) is why we finally had to have her put to sleep. All of that was FeLV related, the mastitis she ended up with 2 months after her spay might have been related. There is just too much they can say is related to the FeLV and they won't cover anything.

You need to call and actually talk to a person, but I would cancel.

Taryn
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